Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal notched up her first title after a career-threatening injury by claiming the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold with a hard-fought victory in the summit clash here on Sunday.
Up against 18-year-old Thai Pornpawee Chochuwong, the top-seeded london Olympics bronze-medallist triumphed 22-20, 22-20 in a 46-minute clash.
This was her 23rd title overall and the first after last year's Australian Open.
The 26-year-old World No 10, who had been desperately looking for a title that boosts her confidence after recovering from a knee surgery last year, was squaring off against a rival ranked more than 50 places below her at 67th.
The two were meeting for the first time in the circuit and Saina was on the backfoot in the opening game when Chochuwong reeled off four consecutive points to grab the early initiative.
Chochuwong maintained the advantage going forward and was placed 11-5 at the break.
However, Saina narrowed the gap to make it 10-13 before drawing level at 19-19 and then saving a game point.
Chochuwong could not handle the pressure thereafter as Saina drew from her experience to clinch the opening game after a 20-minute slog.
In the second game as well, Chochuwong was quicker off the blocks with a 3-0 lead but this time Saina did not leave it for too late and took the lead at 7-5.
The Thai teenager, however, drew level at 8-8 and 11-11 but Saina did not allow her to clinch the momentum.
The Hyderabadi remained in the lead, albeit slender, before blowing away four match points to help Chochuwong draw level at 20-20.
But the Indian managed to get over the hiccup and wrap up the issue soon after for what would be a massive morale-booster for her.
‘It's been a tough journey’
After recovering from a career-threatening knee injury, Saina Nehwal on Sunday clinched the Malaysia Masters crown and the Indian ace shuttler said that it has been a very tough and emotional journey.
Saina endured a difficult season last year when an Achilles tendonities affected her performance in the beginning of the year but she recovered to win the Australian Open.
She, however, developed pain in her knee and suffered a heartbreak at the Olympics, exiting early from the prestigious tournament.
She then had to go under the knife but she recovered well within three months to make a comeback into the international circuit at China Open competition.
She eventually reached the quarters at Macau Open and Hong Kong Open, before beginning the new season with a moral-boosting win at the Malaysia Masters.
"In four months from knee surgery to the title it was very tough and emotional journey for me," said Saina, who beat 18-year-old Thai Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 22-20 in a 46-minute clash.
This was her 23rd title overall and the first after last year's Australian Open.
The 2012 london Olympics bronze medallist also thanked her coaches and support staff for always being by her side during the difficult phase.
"I would also like to thank my coaches Vimal Kumar sir and Umendra Rana sir for supporting me throughout this journey," the former World No. 1 Saina said.
"I really would like to thank my physios Heath Mathews, Chandan Poddar and Arvind Nigam for the Malaysia Masters title," she added.